With over 100 teams, the Ridgewood Live Event was a terrific end to the summer. We wanted to send a shoutout to Coach Mroz for a well-run event and the hospitality. Of the games that we saw at Ridgewood, here are some of the standouts. Similar to the Riverside Brookfield’s event, we will be periodically releasing a set of evaluations.

East St. Louis

Tyrik Barnes | 6’7 PF | East St. Louis | 2027

Barnes made his presence felt around the rim on both ends of the floor. The 6-foot-7 forward utilized his length, timing, and athleticism to emerge as one of the better shot blockers in attendance, consistently altering shots and protecting the paint. His ability to cover ground and rotate as a help defender stood out throughout the game.

Offensively, Barnes was at his best playing above the rim and cleaning up possessions around the basket. He finished lob opportunities, generated second-chance points, and rebounded at a high level on both ends. Despite his size, he moved exceptionally well in transition and even showed flashes of grabbing rebounds and initiating the break himself.

Philip Jones | 6’1 PG | East St. Louis | 2027

Few guards impacted the game in as many ways as Jones. The 6-foot-1 point guard consistently attacked downhill with strength and athleticism, getting into the paint while creating opportunities for both himself and his teammates. His pace and decision-making stood out, allowing him to comfortably control possessions and keep the offense organized.

Jones also showed the ability to create his own offense, stopping on a dime for pull-up jumpers and using his burst to keep defenders guessing. Combined with his athleticism and all-around production, he continues to establish himself as one of the more complete guards in the class.

St. Francis

Ben Whorlow | 6’9 PF/C | St. Francis | 2027

Whorlow showcased a versatile offensive skill set that extended well beyond the paint. The 6-foot-9 big man stepped out to knock down a three and consistently demonstrated value as a pick-and-pop threat. His strong frame allowed him to establish deep position, seal defenders effectively, and create reliable scoring opportunities on the block.

What also stood out was his ability to make the correct read when defenses collapsed. Whorlow delivered timely passes out of double teams, rebounded his area well, and displayed a balanced inside-out offensive game that should continue to draw attention from college programs.

Peoria

Kayden Turner | 6’5 SG | Peoria | 2028

A lights-out shooting display highlighted Turner’s weekend. The 6-foot-5 wing knocked down deep three-pointers with remarkable confidence, showing effortless range well beyond the arc. Whether defenders were closing out or contesting heavily, Turner consistently found ways to get quality looks and convert them.

Beyond the shooting, Turner showed flashes as a slasher and cutter, attacking openings when defenders became overly focused on taking away his perimeter shot. His combination of size, length, and elite shooting ability continues to make him one of the more intriguing wings in Illinois’ 2028 class.

Nigel Moore | 5’11 PG | Peoria | 2028

Craftiness with the ball was a constant theme whenever Moore was involved in the action. The 5-foot-11 guard consistently found ways into the lane, using shifts in pace and direction to create opportunities for himself and teammates. He showed excellent touch on floaters and push shots while remaining comfortable making plays off the dribble.

Moore also contributed defensively, where his quickness and anticipation allowed him to disrupt possessions and generate pressure on opposing guards. His blend of creativity, toughness, and offensive feel continues to stand out.

Hoffman Estates

Jayden Dozie | 5’11 PG | Hoffman Estates | 2028

Scoring comes naturally to Dozie. The 5-foot-11 guard displayed deep shooting range and unwavering confidence, showing a willingness to let shots fly whenever he found daylight. His quick release made it difficult for defenders to recover, while his movement without the ball helped create numerous scoring opportunities.

Dozie hunted offense with purpose throughout the game and consistently looked comfortable creating his own shot. His aggressive scoring mentality and perimeter shooting ability make him a difficult matchup for opposing guards.

Bryce Smith | 6’5 SF | Hoffman Estates | 2028

Length and versatility were on full display from Smith throughout the contest. The 6-foot-5 wing comfortably operated on the perimeter, stretching defenses with his outside shooting while also attacking downhill when defenders closed out too aggressively.

Smith looked most comfortable facing up and creating off the bounce, where his size and athleticism allowed him to finish over defenders. As his overall game continues to develop, his combination of length, shooting, and offensive versatility gives him significant long-term upside.

Bradley Bourbonnais

Kobe Lawrence | 6’0 SG | Bradley-Bourbonnais | 2027

Lawrence handled pressure effectively throughout the game and consistently made smart decisions with the basketball. The 6-foot guard showed comfort playing through traps and delivered several quality outlet passes that helped create transition opportunities.

His speed was particularly noticeable when attacking downhill, where he routinely put pressure on defenders and forced them to react. Lawrence’s poise against pressure and ability to play fast in the open floor stood out.

DaJuan Brown | 6’3 PG | Bradley-Bourbonnais | 2029

Brown continues to look like one of the more promising young guards in the state. The 6-foot-3 guard played with confidence and pace, attacking pressure, creating paint touches, and making quality reads once help defenders committed. He consistently found teammates for easy opportunities while also showing a willingness to score when openings appeared.

Defensively, Brown jumped passing lanes aggressively and turned steals into transition opportunities. He also knocked down perimeter shots, including a hesitation three, showcasing the scoring ability needed to complement his playmaking.

LaDarrion Tucker | 6’6 PF | Bradley-Bourbonnais

Physicality was a major strength for Tucker throughout the game. The 6-foot-6 forward used his strong frame to create space around the basket and generated easy scoring opportunities through smart movement and physical play.

Tucker was particularly effective on the offensive glass, converting second-chance opportunities and finishing through contact. His willingness to embrace physical play made him a productive presence inside.

Hyde Park

Brandon Hightower | 6’0 PG | Hyde Park | 2027

Hightower consistently put pressure on the defense with his ability to attack off the bounce. The 6-foot guard used sharp footwork and effective euro steps to navigate traffic while creating difficult finishes around the basket.

He also showed value in transition, where his pace and aggressiveness helped generate offense. Combined with his ability to step confidently into perimeter jumpers, Hightower provided balanced scoring production throughout the game.

Denard Grayson | 6’2 SG | Hyde Park | 2027

A smooth offensive approach highlighted Grayson’s performance. The 6-foot-2 guard knocked down perimeter shots and consistently made smart decisions when attacking defensive gaps. His ability to manipulate defenders and create passing angles was particularly noticeable against zone defenses.

Grayson remained under control throughout the game and displayed a good understanding of when to score and when to facilitate. His combination of shot-making and feel continues to make him an effective offensive piece.

Martell Henderson | 6’7 PF | Hyde Park | 2029

For a young frontcourt prospect, Henderson displayed several encouraging tools. The 6-foot-7 sophomore rebounded well in space, used his length effectively, and remained active around the ball throughout the contest.

His motor stood out on both ends, particularly when pursuing rebounds and applying pressure defensively. Henderson also converted a tough offensive rebound into a floater, highlighting developing touch to pair with his physical tools.

Warren

Tayte Cordova | 6’1 PG/SG | Warren | 2027

Patience and pace were major strengths in Cordova’s performance. The 6-foot-1 guard consistently got into the paint under control, played off two feet, and used a variety of finishes and counters to create scoring opportunities.

Cordova also showed confidence operating out of ball screens, where he hunted pull-up jumpers and made defenders respect multiple options. Defensively, his hands were active throughout the game, helping generate steals and transition opportunities.

Cashius Collins | 6’5 SF | Warren | 2027

Collins displayed impressive feel and versatility throughout the game. The 6-foot-5 wing knocked down perimeter shots, played with good pace, and consistently looked to create opportunities for teammates when defenses shifted his direction.

His vision was evident as he found cutters for easy baskets, while his defensive activity allowed him to impact possessions on the other end. Collins continues to show the well-rounded skill set coaches value from modern wings.

Lake Forest Academy

Goran Davidovic | 6’3 PG | Lake Forest Academy | 2028

Davidovic impressed with his ability to create offense both in the half court and in transition. The sophomore guard consistently attacked downhill with confidence, using a smooth handle and good pace to get where he wanted on the floor. He looked comfortable operating in space and showed creativity when breaking down defenders, making him a difficult cover when the game opened up.

What stands out most is how naturally the game seems to come to him with the ball in his hands. Davidovic has a polished feel as a scorer, plays under control, and possesses the skill set to create his own offense against pressure. As he continues to add strength and experience, he has the tools to develop into a highly productive lead guard.

Landon Lethunya | 6’9 PF | Lake Forest Academy | 2027

Lethunya’s athleticism immediately jumps off the page. The junior forward ran the floor hard, elevated above the rim for transition finishes, and consistently put pressure on defenses with his ability to play above the basket. He also showed flashes of being able to attack in straight lines, using his size and athletic tools to create scoring opportunities.

At 6-foot-9, the combination of mobility and explosiveness gives him considerable upside. Lethunya already impacts the game as a finisher and rim-running threat, and continued development with the ball in his hands could unlock another level to his game. The physical tools are difficult to teach and make him an intriguing long-term prospect.

Boti Szabo-Zsamba | 6’9 C | Lake Forest Academy | 2027

Few players physically imposed their will the way Szabo-Zsamba did throughout the event. The 6-foot-9 big man used his broad shoulders, length, and physicality to establish deep position and consistently score around the basket. He played with an edge, rebounded his area, and showcased noticeably improved coordination while finishing through contact. Despite his size, he also displayed soft touch around the rim and converted a variety of interior finishes.

The continued development of his overall skill set is encouraging. Szabo-Zsamba showed the ability to step away from the basket and knock down perimeter shots, giving him added versatility offensively. With his size, improving mobility, and growing offensive package, it is easy to see why he recently earned an offer from Pittsburg State University following his performance.

Moline

Brady Welch | 5’11 PG | Moline | 2027

Welch put together one of the stronger shooting performances of the weekend. The junior guard consistently knocked down perimeter shots, including several coming off ball screens, while displaying unlimited confidence in his jumper. His pure shooting stroke, aggressive mentality, and willingness to keep firing regardless of previous results made him a constant offensive threat.

The combination of shooting ability and competitiveness makes him difficult to guard. Welch handles the ball well, creates his own looks, and plays with a relentless motor that impacts every possession. His confidence and scoring instincts stood out throughout the event.

Josh Hendrickx | 6’4 SF | Moline | 2027

Hendrickx provided steady offensive production while playing within the flow of the game. The junior wing consistently spaced the floor, knocked down open perimeter shots, and showed impressive efficiency from the corners. He also demonstrated strong chemistry with his teammates, particularly in give-and-go situations where his passing instincts were on display.

Beyond the shooting ability, Hendrickx showed good feel as a connective piece. He made smart reads, found cutters, and consistently moved the ball to the right spots. His combination of size, shooting, and basketball IQ makes him a valuable two-way wing.

Travis Spicer | 6’0 PG | Moline | 2028

Spicer showcased a mature approach at the point guard position. The sophomore played with good pace, consistently probing the defense and making quality decisions with the basketball. He showed the ability to knock down spot-up threes while remaining under control as a primary ball handler.

His willingness to embrace difficult defensive assignments also stood out. Spicer routinely took on the opposing team’s top perimeter scorer and competed on every possession. Combined with his strong frame and feel for the game, he continues to look like a reliable young floor general.